Vladimir Norov speaks about the impact of the economic crisis on SCO member states

The exit from this crisis lane may be prolonged, he acknowledged.

“The SCO member countries, which comprise almost half of the world’s population, give the highest priority to overcoming the political and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic,” Norov stated. Efforts, as he said, are focused on fighting unemployment and poverty.

800 million young people live in SCO countries, and lack of economic opportunities “can become a dangerous trend, which can push socially vulnerable young people to illegal activities, including terrorism and drug trafficking.” In this regard, Norov noted that the eradication of poverty in the SCO area is becoming increasingly important for the common prosperity, security and stability of the region.

The priority objective of the SCO, in accordance with the SCO Charter, is to promote comprehensive and balanced economic growth and sustainable development in the region on the basis of equal partnership in order to improve the living conditions of the population.

Under the chairmanship of Russia, the member states will adopt a plan of action for 2021-2025 on the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the upcoming SCO summit in November. This document also seeks to establish cooperation in the fight against poverty.

Norov noted the “impressive experience of the fight against poverty” demonstrated by China, which is one of the SCO founding states. The most populous country in the world has come very close to eradicating poverty completely. The World Bank estimates that the number of people living below the international poverty line in China has declined by more than 850 million since 1978.